If you’re into sound systems, robotics or tinkering with wires, you should think about a career as an electrician. Electricians install and maintain all of the electrical and power systems for our homes, businesses and factories. Electricians in large factories usually do maintenance work that is more complex. These kinds of electricians may repair motors, transformers, generators, and electronic controllers on machine tools and industrial robots. They also work in power plants and perform all electrical needs for commercial purposes.
Are you always tinkering with objects? Do people ask for your help with fixing mechanical things? Look into becoming a plumber! Plumbers do much more than fix sinks and toilets in residential homes. They design and install piping systems that distribute water and remove waste from buildings, and connect heating and cooling systems. Plumbers have to be knowledgeable in water distribution, blueprint reading, local ordinances and regulations, mathematics, mechanical drawing, physics, welding and soldering.
Mobile crane operators use state-of-the-art heavy machinery to move construction materials, earth and even petroleum products over short distances. A series of joysticks, levers and pedals allows the operator to use his or her knowledge of load calculations to place materials around a construction site. Tower Crane Operators craft professionals use their knowledge of load calculations and crane operations to hoist heavy materials off the ground and to significant heights. They must have endurance, agility and physical coordination, as well as great hand/eye coordination.
Do you take things apart and put them back together just to see how they work? Do you always have the right tool for the job? Maybe becoming a millwright is the right path for you. Millwrights work on construction sites and in factories assembling and disassembling machinery. This work can involve intricate technical repairs or heavy machining tools, depending on the project. Millwrights have to be able to understand manuals for many different types of machines as well as have a high level of problem solving skills.
Do you have an eye for different colors, textures and tones? Would you consider yourself artsy? Try your hand at becoming a professional painter. Painters are responsible for choosing and applying just the right paint or colors to buildings and industrial structures. This career path ranges from industrial spray painters who apply coatings to prevent deterioration to decorative artisans who create faux finishes.
Would you consider yourself a jack of all trades? If so, a construction laborer career might be an option to explore! They perform many basic tasks on construction sites and mostly work full time. Some work at great heights or outdoors in all weather conditions. This occupation would be a great way to get your foot in the door to other career opportunities in the construction industry.
Work with your hands in an industry that provides the economy with energy saving options. The insulation mechanic installs insulation systems on piping, plumbing, HVAC systems, equipment and other processing systems in new construction, retrofit and maintenance projects in the commercial and industrial industry. The result of an insulation mechanic’s work ensures that systems perform at their highest level – saving energy, reducing fuel costs, reducing emissions, and enhancing the work environment.
Are you interested in model building or have coined yourself Mr. Fix It? HVACR Technicians are always piecing things together as they install, maintain and repair heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Can’t decide between a career in mechanical systems or electronics? HVACR covers it all! Motors, compressors, pumps, fans, thermostats and computerized switches control systems in residential, commercial and industrial structures. Technicians can also specialize in specific equipment, such as hydronics (water-based heating systems), solar panels or commercial refrigeration.
Do you dream of building a structure with your own two hands or restoring historical buildings? Check out training in masonry! Brickmasons, blockmasons and stonemasons use bricks, concrete blocks and natural stones to build attractive, durable surfaces and structures. These craft professionals have created buildings, walls and roads for thousands of years and will continue to do so long into the future.
Check out this adventurous career where you can work with flames and an assortment of tools! Boilermakers’ job duties are versatile and require knowledge from other crafts. They work in a variety of areas, from power generation and paper mills to refineries. They make and install boilers and other large containers. Tasks include reading blueprints, welding or bolting pieces together and installing valves and supports. Boilermakers also perform routine maintenance.
Take an interest in becoming a roofer and rise above the rest! Roofers use a variety of materials to build roofs and cover structures such as houses, malls and hospitals. The materials used are shingles, asphalt, wood and aluminum. They perform routine inspections and maintenance on a building’s roof and determine the best repair procedures. Safety procedures and proper personal protective equipment is key to perform these tasks.
Do you get a kick out of watching sparks fly on the Fourth of July? Choose a career in welding and watch them fly every day! Welders join objects together by applying heat or pressure. Skilled welders have a thorough knowledge of welding principals and metals. They use blueprints and drawings to build anything from ships to cars to bridges. Welders play a crucial role in maintaining a variety of power plants and have the opportunity to travel throughout the year.
Are you a little bit of a perfectionist? Do you enjoy reading plans and making something useful? Consider training to become a pipefitter. Pipefitters plan and install detailed pipe systems for commercial and industrial projects. These pipes may carry water, chemicals or gases to the crucial building systems. Pipefitters use many tools to cut and bend pipes to exact specifications.
Are you a visual person? Do you enjoy mechanics and fitting puzzles together? Sheet metal workers cut and mold sheets of metal into products for installing and repairing ventilation and air ducts. They also construct airplanes, automobiles and billboards. Most sheet metal fabrication shops are completely computerized, so sheet metal workers may be responsible for programming control systems on various pieces of equipment.
Ironworking is the ultimate in hands-on construction. If you are looking for an exciting career where you can balance from the top of a brand new skyscraper, then ironworking is for you. Ironworkers place and install iron or steel girders, columns and other construction materials to form the infrastructure all around us. Ironworkers must always be paying attention to details to check vertical and horizontal alignment.
If you enjoy adventures, scenic views and have a creative side then try out this profession! Glaziers are true artisans who work with glass as their mediums. They select, cut, install, replace and remove residential, commercial and artistic glass. Glaziers use a variety of tools including glazing knives, saws, drills, grinders, putty and glazing compounds. They must work as a team when guiding and installing glass for large buildings.
Are you a detail-oriented kind of person? Sprinkler fitting may be a good career to consider! Sprinkler fitters design, install and test automatic fire protection sprinkler systems and components such as sprinklers, piping and valves. They have to know all of the local and national sprinkler codes and make sure that all work is according to specifications.
ANGBTC is dedicated to the stability of employment and economic security of organized construction workers in Atlanta & North Georgia. Our purpose is to create more work opportunities, achieve living wages, and protect benefit standards, not just for the members of our local unions and union affiliates, but for all construction workers. The important work of ANGBTC is in the detail and the daily implementation of policy, including legislative and governmental affairs; field services; and labor-management relations. Organized construction workers have achieved a powerful voice in government, in bargaining and in their communities. Since 1974, ANGBTC has worked to improve the lives of working families so as to bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to our community. To accomplish this mission we will build and constantly seek to improve the American labor movement.
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